Visiting Xcaret Park is one of the best experiences you can live in Mexico. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this ecological, cultural, and touristic park has become a must for anyone looking to explore the best of Mexico all in one place. From its underground rivers to its cultural performances, every corner is designed to leave you speechless.
To get straight to the point: Xcaret Park is the best theme park in Mexico, probably even the world. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you can only live here, in a setting unlike any other. Yes, it’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth every dollar you spend on it. If you’re enjoying your holidays in the Riviera Maya, I strongly recommend dedicating at least one full day to one of their parks.
Xcaret Group: More than just one park
One common misconception is thinking that “Xcaret” is a single park. In fact, Xcaret Group operates several theme parks across the Riviera Maya, each with a unique focus and personality. It’s important to understand this before purchasing the tickets, because each park offers very different experiences.
I show you the main ones:
- Xcaret Park: The flagship park, focused on Mexican culture, nature, and live shows.
- Xel-Há Park: A relaxing, all-inclusive and aquatic paradise perfect for snorkeling and enjoying nature.
- Xplor and Xplor Fuego: High-adrenaline and adventure parks ideal for thrill-seekers.
- Xenses Park: A creative, sensory experience full of optical illusions, fun and
unique experiences.
Each park is is designed for a different type of visitor: some are family-friendly, others are focus on relax, other on adventure. It’s important to choose them wisely, because tickets for one park are not valid for the others.
Xcaret Park: The iconic jewel of the group
Xcaret Park is more than an amusement park; it’s a tribute to Mexico. It´s a place where culture, history, and nature join to deliver you a truly immersive experience. Swim in crystal-clear rivers, walk among butterflies, explore bird sanctuaries, or visit an aquarium that replicates a coral reef ecosystem. But what truly gives this place its soul is its deep respect for Mexican traditions.
The night show moves you through the history and traditions of Mexico with its emotional journey . It’s not just a show, it’s an experience that stirs your emotions and connects you with the heart of the country.
Top attractions at Xcaret Park Riviera Maya
One of the park’s biggest draws is its underground rivers, perfect for floating peacefully through natural caves and jungle landscapes. These are not cheap imitations. They’re real rivers and caves, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Other highlights include the Coral Reef Aquarium, the Butterfly Pavilion, the Aviary, and a recreated Mayan village, all part of over 50 attractions designed to immerse you in Mexico’s natural and cultural richness.
Depending on the time of year, some areas like the rivers may be a bit crowded, but the overall experience is still amazing.
Additional paid activities include swimming with dolphins and professional photo packages.
Xcaret México Espectacular: The night show you can’t miss
Don’t leave without seeing the nighttime show. Over 300 performers take you on a powerful, emotional journey through Mexico’s heritage from pre-Hispanic rituals to traditional dances and music. From the Voladores de Papantla to La Bamba Jarocha, the performance captures the essence of Mexico in one unforgettable night.
Mexico is vast and culturally rich far more than one trip can cover. This show gives you a glimpse into the deeper Mexico you might not otherwise see on a Riviera Maya vacation.
Xcaret tickets and pricing for 2025
There are three types of Xcaret tickets, and prices oscillate slightly depending on the season and how early you book:
- Basic Admission:
Adults (12+): $139 USD
Children (5–11): $99.74 USD - Xcaret Plus:
Adults: $164.99 USD
Children: $123.74 USD - Xcaret Total:
Adults: $207.99 USD
Children: $170.99 USD
Children under 5 enter for free.
You can purchase your Xcaret tickets directly on the official website. Keep an eye out for promotions—they often offer discounted rates throughout the year.
What’s included in each Xcaret Ticket?
- Basic Admission includes access to over 50 attractions, underground rivers, beaches, coves, and cultural shows.
- Xcaret Plus adds a buffet meal at any restaurant in the park (with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks), access to the Plus Area with private restrooms and dressing rooms, and snorkel gear use.
- Xcaret Total includes everything from Xcaret Plus, plus one optional activity such as Adrenalina (high-speed boat ride) or Sea Trek (underwater walk with a special helmet).
The Xcaret México Espectacular night show is included with every ticket type and it’s absolutely worth staying for.
Opening hours and visitor tips
Xcaret Park is open daily, including holidays, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
The night show begins at 7:00 PM.
Food and drinks from outside are generally not allowed to protect the park’s ecosystems, but baby food such as formula or puree is permitted.
Getting to Xcaret Park from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum
Xcaret Park is located about 6 km from Playa del Carmen, 57 km from Tulum, and 74 km from Cancún. You can get there by rental car (the road is well-maintained and clearly marked), taxi or ADO bus.
When you purchase your ticket to Xcaret Park, you can also opt for transportation included, which uses Xcaret’s official transport service.
The park offers free parking for visitors arriving by private vehicle.
Grupo Xcaret Parks: Something for everyone
Xcaret is much more than just the park we’ve already talked about. Grupo Xcaret operates several parks, each offering a unique experience. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s one that’s just right for you.
Xel-Há Park: Nature and pure relax
Xel-Há Park is known for being a true aquatic paradise in the Riviera Maya. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to unwind and enjoy nature while having fun with water activities. The park blends adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking natural scenery.
One of its highlights is the Xel-Há River, a natural lazy river. You can float down in an floater while taking in the beautiful surroundings, or put on a mask and snorkel to explore the underwater world full of tropical fish. Personally, I loved snorkeling here. The water is so crystal-clear that you can see every detail of the coral and marine life. Experiencing the halocline phenomenon (where freshwater and saltwater mix) is also a curious and unique sensation.
Another major draw is the Xel-Há Inlet, where the ocean meets the underground rivers. It’s an ideal place for swimming or snorkeling, home to an incredible variety of fish and marine plants. It’s truly impressive how well they’ve preserved this ecosystem, although it’s worth noting that it can get quite crowded during peak seasons.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Scenic Lighthouse. Climbing to the top rewards you with the best panoramic views of the park and the surrounding jungle. The descent is pure fun thanks to the spiral waterslides. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and amusement.
For those who prefer to take it slow, there are hammocks and beach beds where you can rest after all the excitement. The park also features ecological trails for walking or biking, where you can explore the jungle and observe local flora and fauna. You might even spot tropical birds while wandering through the mangroves.
Xel-Há Tickets for 2025
There are three types of Xel-Há Park tickets available. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season and whether you purchase in advance:
- Xel-Há Light:
Adults: $89 USD
Children (ages 5–11): $66 USD - Xel-Há All-Inclusive:
Adults: $115 USD
Children: $86 USD - Xel-Há Total:
Adults: $158 USD
Children: $132 USD
Children under 5 years old enter free of charge.
You can buy your tickets directly on the official Xel-Há Park website.
What’s included with each ticket?
Xel-Há Light includes access to most park activities, use of snorkel gear, life vests, inner tubes, bicycles, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
Xel-Há All-Inclusive includes everything from the Light ticket, plus a buffet breakfast (available from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM), snacks and buffet lunch (from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM), and domestic open bar with beer, spirits, and house cocktails.
Xel-Há Total includes everything from the All-Inclusive ticket, plus one optional activity of your choice: Adrenalina (high-speed boat ride), Sea Trek (underwater walk with a special helmet), Zip-Bike (suspended jungle-and-water bike ride), or stingray encounter.
Opening hours for Xel-Há Park
Xel-Há Park is open every day from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Note that some attractions have their own specific hours. For example:
- Scenic Lighthouse: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Piedra del Valor (Stone of Courage): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Xplor and Xplor Fuego: Non-stop adventure and adrenaline
Xplor Park offers the chance to explore both jungle and underground landscapes with the power of daylight. Its zip-lines are the highest in the Riviera Maya and they’re absolutely thrilling. Imagine flying 45 meters high above the treetops and ending with a splash into a cenote. It’s the ultimate feeling of freedom.
There are two different zip-line circuits, so you can choose depending on how much of a challenge you’re looking for.
You can also hop on amphibious vehicles (basically jungle jeeps) designed to take you through muddy paths, flooded caves, and hanging bridges. It’s an absolute blast to drive through the forest. You feel like a real explorer on a mission.
Another unforgettable experience is swimming through underground rivers, gliding between stalactites and stalagmites in a cool, peaceful environment. You can also try underground rafting, where you paddle by hand through caves filled with dramatic rock formations. While it takes a bit of coordination (and patience if you’re with friends), the scenery makes it totally worth it.
Xplor Fuego: The thrill of nighttime adventure
Xplor Fuego is the nighttime version of the park, and it completely transforms the experience. From the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping into another world. Everything is lit by torches and warm ambient lights, giving the jungle a mysterious and exciting vibe.
The zip-lines at night are absolutely magical. Soaring under the stars with the cool night air brushing your face is unforgettable. Driving amphibious vehicles through shadowy trails lined with flames makes you feel like you’re part of an action movie.
Swimming and rafting through the underground rivers at night also has its own special charm. The soft lighting highlights the natural formations, creating an intimate and captivating atmosphere. And if you’re in the mood for something fun but more laid-back, try the Hamacuatizaje, a hammock zip-line that ends with a splash in a cenote. Simple, but incredibly fun.
Xplor Park tickets for 2025
Xplor offers a single ticket type for each experience, with prices varying slightly depending on the season and how early you book:
- Xplor Day Admission:
Adults: $149.99 USD
Children (ages 5–11): $112.49 USD - Xplor Fuego Admission:
Adults: $130 USD
Children (ages 5–11): $97.50 USD
Children under 5 are not allowed in the park for safety reasons.
Both Xplor Park and Xplor Fuego offer all-inclusive access to their buffets. During the day, you’ll find fresh juices and smoothies, while the evening menu shifts to BBQ-style dishes with delicious ribs—perfect for refueling after so much activity, without worrying about extra costs.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Xplor Park website.
What’s Included in Xplor Park Tickets?
Your Xplor ticket includes all adventure activities, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, buffet meals, and access to all necessary facilities and gear. It’s a true all-inclusive experience designed for adrenaline lovers.
Xplor and Xplor Fuego opening hours
- Xplor: Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Xplor Fuego: Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Xenses Park: A Playground for the senses
Xenses Park is geared toward younger visitors and anyone who enjoys creativity and wonder. It’s a playful, surreal park that makes you question everything you think you know about your senses.
From the moment you enter, it feels like stepping into a strange dream but in the best way. One of the most surprising attractions is the Xensatorium, where you walk through complete darkness in a tunnel simulating different ecosystems. It’s a unique sensory experience, relying on your hearing, smell, and touch to guide you.
Another favorite is the Upside Down Village, where everything is built to defy gravity. Walking along its slanted streets, seeing floating objects, or watching everything appear to change size makes it perfect for one-of-a-kind photos and lots of laughs.
Other highlights include the Salt River, where you effortlessly float thanks to the high salt concentration, and the Mud River, where you get delightfully messy before rinsing off under a refreshing waterfall. It’s a chance to feel like a kid again joyful, playful, and completely in the moment.
Xenses Park tickets for 2025
There’s only one type of ticket for Xenses Park, with prices depending on the season and how early you purchase:
- Adults: $80 USD
- Children (ages 5–11): $60 USD
Children under 5 are not allowed for safety reasons.
Tickets are available on the official Xenses Park website.
Opening hours for Xenses Park
Xenses Park is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
All activities close at 6:00 PM.
Keep in mind that Xenses is designed as a half-day park, with an average visit lasting around 5 hours.
Tips to make the most of Xcaret Parks
- Arrive early: There’s a lot to see and do.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes.
- Book in advance, especially for shows or add-on activities like swimming with dolphins.
- Mind your budget: While many activities are included, extras can add up quickly.
- Don’t miss the night show at Xcaret Park—it’s genuinely worth every minute.
Which Xcaret Park should you choose?
Each Xcaret Park has its own personality:
- Xcaret Park celebrates Mexican culture.
- Xel-Há Park immerses you in nature.
- Xplor Park delivers high-octane adventure.
- Xenses Park delights your imagination and senses.
Which one should you visit? That depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for and who you’re traveling with.
Visiting Xcaret Group parks was one of the best decisions of my trip to the Riviera Maya. Not just because of the incredible attractions, but because of the way they blend nature, history, and fun. Whether you’re with family, your partner, or traveling solo, this is one of the best experiences you can have in Mexico.
